Beth Jeans Houghton, as you once knew her, has left the building. Du Blonde has crashed the party. If you’re expecting more of the sugary folk that made up ‘Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose’, then run. Run far, far away. Her debut under the Du Blonde name is so far removed from previous releases it renders comparison almost impossible.
Du Blonde was born following an epiphany at a David Bowie exhibition. Talking of the inspiration behind her new moniker, she said: “All this stuff that was really important to me in the beginning, all of the creativity, emotional expulsion, I’d just lost all of that.”
Well, it seems she has found it again. ‘Welcome Back To Milk’ beautifully showcases Du Blonde’s multifaceted personality. Black Flag ushers in trundling drums and a filthy guitar riff, accompanying brilliant vocal melodies and clever wordplay: “Bullseye baby, I know your aim is true.”
But, as soon as it becomes clear where things are going, Houghton drops the ‘70s rock-influenced Chips To Go, a ‘50s style ballad in After The Show, the Mariachi-fuelled If You’re Legal and Hunter, a wonderful amalgamation of ballad writing skills and Du Blonde’s poignant words: “When the glory hunts you down, you don’t have the strength to carry the crown.”
On Mr Hyde and Hard To Please, Du Blonde really comes out to play. Backed by distorted guitars, the songs boast edges from punk and psychobilly, while the lyrics don’t disappoint: “Jekyll’s in the kitchen, sucking off Hyde.”
Du Blonde has a voice moulded by experience. You can hear her pain, anger and soul in every breath. This is particularly true of album closer Isn’t It Wild, a hauntingly beautiful ballad that deserves mention in the same sentence as Tori Amos or PJ Harvey, women who are also able to turn catharsis into gold. It is the death rattle of a wild party.
Du Blonde Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed June 03 2015 - BRIGHTON Green Door Store
Thu June 04 2015 - LONDON 100 Club
Fri June 05 2015 - LEEDS Brudenell Social Club
Sat June 06 2015 - BRISTOL Louisiana
Sun June 07 2015 - NOTTINGHAM Bodega Social
Tue June 09 2015 - MANCHESTER Manchester Deaf Institute
Wed June 10 2015 - GLASGOW Broadcast
Thu June 11 2015 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Cluny
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